The air in the classroom crackled with anticipation. The annual school festival was just a week away, and everyone was buzzing with excitement. Jun, however, was feeling anything but thrilled. He was still reeling from the confrontation with Aiko, and he was worried about how she might react to the festival.290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4gBKgWqI5
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Yuki, sensing his unease, squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, Jun," she said, her voice soft. "We'll be together the whole time."290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wVloMOjrr
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Jun nodded, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He had been feeling a little insecure lately, especially after witnessing Aiko's relentless pursuit. He couldn't help but wonder if Yuki was truly happy with him, or if she was just being nice.290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9Y7P2Mu48
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As if reading his mind, Yuki leaned closer and whispered, "I can't wait to spend the festival with you, Jun. It's going to be amazing."290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad6RJMZDEy
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Jun felt a wave of warmth wash over him. He knew he was being ridiculous, but he couldn't help but feel a little jealous when he saw Hana, his childhood friend, chatting with Yuki during their lunch break. Hana had always been a little too friendly with Yuki for his liking, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of insecurity.290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPdrpfTfCa
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"What are you two talking about?" Jun asked, his voice a little strained.290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMHMKY3tit
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Hana, oblivious to his unease, grinned. "Oh, we were just discussing the festival," she said. "Yuki has some great ideas for the class booth."290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fK8EGVHC5
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Jun forced a smile. "Sounds fun," he said, trying to hide his jealousy.290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUNejo96T6
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He couldn't help but feel a little left out. He wanted to be the one talking to Yuki, the one sharing ideas with her. But he was too shy, too afraid to speak up.290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnDT33iyXW
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Later that day, as Jun was walking home from school, he bumped into Aiko. She was standing by the school gate, her eyes fixed on him with an intensity that made him uncomfortable.290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYTUnNWFrt
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"Jun," she said, her voice soft and seductive. "I have a surprise for you."290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NhrmwTlTj
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Jun felt a shiver run down his spine. He knew he shouldn't take anything from her, but he didn't want to be rude.290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVzfQN9QLy
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"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAPLSSvnQo
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Aiko smiled, her eyes gleaming. "It's for the festival," she said. "I made you something special."290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IqjRApPGu
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She reached into her bag and pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden box. It was beautiful, but something about it made Jun uneasy.290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb4b5Dcdu2
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"Thanks, Aiko," he said, taking the box. "But I don't think I can accept it."290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSmwR0fSgn
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Aiko's smile faltered. "Why not?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt.290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrA9W63vcbh
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"I... I don't want to make things awkward," Jun said, trying to find the right words. "I'm happy with Yuki."290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdlw5nfhoN
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Aiko's eyes narrowed. "You're happy with her?" she asked, her voice laced with bitterness. "But she doesn't love you the way I do."290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEAb4G3grR
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Jun felt a pang of guilt. He knew Aiko was obsessed with him, but he couldn't help but feel a little flattered by her attention.290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMjWYk39FJ
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"I appreciate your feelings, Aiko," he said, trying to be kind. "But I'm happy with Yuki."290Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtqbmc8ojj
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Aiko turned and walked away, her shoulders slumped with defeat. Jun watched her go, his heart heavy with guilt. He didn't want to hurt her feelings, but he knew he had to be honest with himself. He was in love with Yuki, and he couldn't imagine being with anyone else.
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